Closer Inspection: What You Should Look for in a House You Plan to Purchase

When you’re buying your first home in Utah or any other state, the activity can be exciting and overwhelming. Apart from the paperwork and finding the right lender, you’ll have to know if the house you’re considering is a good deal. Use this guide to know how to spot a home worth living in for the long haul and getting a mortgage to make the purchase.

•  Inspect the Driveway

As you pull up to the property, check the pavement on the driveway for holes. Even the smallest pothole can cause serious damage that will require expensive repairs to your car. Check that there are no large cracks or holes for water to seep in.

•  Don’t be Curbed by Curb Appeal

Realtors and homeowners alike are aware of how curb appeal can influence the likelihood of a home sale and an increase in price. The curb appeal of one home may also affect the value of other properties within the neighborhood. Never make your decision to buy a home based on curb appeal alone. Wait till you’ve inspected the interiors and all other areas of the house.

•  Make Sure it Wasn’t a Meth Lab

Homes that were inhabited by meth addicts or used as meth labs are simply uninhabitable. The chemical residues left in the walls and carpeting require extensive professional decontamination. If you happened to be shown a home that used to be a meth lab, or its former occupants used meth, avoid it at all costs. You might develop serious health issues from the chemicals, and your children are particularly vulnerable.

A recent case in Indiana saw one family take a huge financial loss when the former homeowner didn’t disclose his meth habit. Insist on a meth test for the potential home. Remember that a home is the single largest purchase you can make in your lifetime, and a good house can be your residence, an investment, and a means to secure a mortgage loan.

•  Ask about the Homeowners

Be a sleuth and ask neighbors and community businesses about the previous homeowners. Inquire about their employment and their history in the neighborhood. Do background checks with the local police or sheriff.

•  Look at the Roof

Before you get through the front door, take a gander at the roof. Is it sagging in any areas? From your point of view, are there any visible holes? Check also that the roof is made of a sturdy material. Take note of the gutters as well. Are the gutters old-style and worn, or are they brand-new and modern?

•  Look Past the Paint

When inspecting frequently-used rooms or areas like the kitchen and dining room, ignore the fresh coat of paint-these are only cosmetic features that are easily changed. Look at the more long-lasting features like the foundations and the wiring. Are there any loose wires or floorboards? Do the doors stick? If so, there may be problems with the foundation of the home. Check the lower floors and the basement for huge cracks and uneven floors, doorways, or ceilings.

•  Mind the Mold

When inspecting bathrooms and kitchens, check the pipes, areas under sinks, around and behind water closets and cabinets-any place that could be a host to mold. Should you find signs of mold, there could be more serious issues like water damage from leaks. This could mean more serious plumbing issues you’ll have to deal with later.

•  Take Note of the Temperature

Keep in mind that any home that’s rickety and old will likely have an old furnace or cooling system. Ask to inspect these systems and check if they’ve been repaired or updated. Heating and cooling system replacements can be a major spend, so you must be sure they’re in proper working order.

•  Get a Second, Professional Opinion

Though these aspects are important and easy to see, there’s only so much you can observe and assess during your visit to the home. Get the services of a professional home inspector or appraiser to know more about the details, and so they can help you decide if it’s a good buy.

A home is probably the biggest expense you’ll make in your lifetime. While no home is perfect, you should decide what features of a home you consider ultimate deal breakers. Inspect the home thoroughly, get professional advice, then decide if the house has features you can live with, and if you can live in it.